LAI earns Performance Excellence Award

This year, Boeing recognized 558 suppliers who achieved either a Gold or Silver level Boeing Performance Excellence Award. LAI is one of only 417 suppliers to receive the Silver level of recognition. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance.
  
“We are honored that LAI International has qualified for this recognition,” Stewart Cramer, President, LAI International, said. “Our company is committed to providing all of our customers the highest levels of value, quality and customer service. We are very proud to be a part of the Boeing team.”  
  
LAI supplies a series of precision-machined structural panels for the F-22 Fighter Jet to Boeing.

“We have applied continuous improvement efforts to increase production efficiency with this program, and it has worked exceptionally well to meet Boeing’s high standards of performance,” John Rogers, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, LAI International, said.

LAI coordinates supply-chain management of a complex manufacturing process flow that includes hot-forming, CNC machining, chemical milling, finishing and 5-axis precision waterjet drilling — to supply ready-to-assemble components for the aircraft.

“Earning this award has everything to do with our employees taking to heart the continuous improvement work we have done and focusing on providing the customer a great LAI experience,” Frank Bailey, V.P. of Continuous Improvement and Site Leader of LAI’s Minnesota facility, said. “Lean manufacturing and dedicated employees — it does not get much better than that.”

Those who receive the award are eligible for the Boeing Supplier of the Year award and are invited to the Global Supplier Conference, May 17-19.

“LAI International has enjoyed a lasting partnership with Boeing, and we look forward to continuing this productive relationship,” Andy Bartle, Director of Aerospace Products, LAI International, said.